Location

Near the Town of Antigonish and community of South River, extending from Addington Forks Road easterly 15 km to Taylor Road. The proposed alignment closely parallels the existing Highway 104.

Description

The proposed Highway 104 project begins at the westerly end near Addington Forks. Traveling easterly the highway crosses Trunk 4, West River and Beech Hill between 300 m and 600 m south of the existing Highway 104 at Antigonish. Just west of the South River structure the alignment crosses from the south to the north side of the existing Highway 104 and remains on this side to its eastern terminus near Taylor Road.

Interchanges are proposed at Addington Forks Road, Trunk 7, Beech Hill Road and the extension of Route 316 in Lower South River. The proposed highway will have controlled access with no at-grade intersections or driveways. The existing South Side Harbour Road access to Highway 104 will be severed and this roadway will be relocated to the Route 316 interchange. An overpass crossing without direct access is proposed at Taylor Road. There are two major water crossings located at West River and South River and a number of smaller water crossings requiring culvert installations.

Minister's Decision

On August 29, 2005, the Minister of Environment and Labour released a decision (PDF:25k) concerning this review. The Minister has decided to approve the undertaking in accordance with Section 26 of the Environmental Assessment Regulations, pursuant to Part IV of the Environment Act.

The undertaking has been approved subject to a number of conditions (PDF:28k).

The proponent is required to obtain all other necessary approvals, permits or authorizations before commencing work on the undertaking.

Opportunities for Public Input

Four public hearings were held in Antigonish on June 23 and June 24, 2005.

A public record containing the environmental assessment report, submissions and other documents relating to the hearings is available at the Department of Environment and Climate Change Library and at the department's Antigonish office.

Project Documents

• Public Notice of Registration (PDF:38k)
• Registration Document (PDF:183k)
• Proposed Terms of Reference (PDF:45k)
• Final Terms of Reference (PDF:54k)
• Public Notice of Environment Assessment Report Review (PDF:41k)
• Environment Assessment Report (PDF:10.1mb)
  Appendix A (PDF:78k)
  Appendix B (PDF:9mb)
  Appendix C (PDF:66k)
  Appendix D (PDF:3.2mb)
  Appendix E (PDF:6.5mb)
  Appendix F (PDF:515k)
  Appendix G (PDF:1.5mb)
  Appendix H (PDF:113k)
  Appendix I (PDF:384k)
  Appendix J (PDF:61k)
  Appendix K (PDF:12.5mb)
  Appendix L (PDF:34k)
  
• Notice of Public Hearing Sessions (PDF:76k)
• Public Hearing Sessions Agenda (PDF:9k)
• Public Hearing Sessions Transcript (PDF:270k)
• Report and Recommendations to the Minister (PDF:1.1mb)
• Minister's Decision (PDF:25k)
• Terms and Conditions of Approval (PDF:28k)